Tonneau Covers Buying Guide

Looking for a tonneau? Here are the most frequently-asked questions about buying a tonneau cover. If you need more information on the best tonneau cover for your truck, do not hesitate to call us or e-mail us your questions.

How do I install a tonneau cover?

In most applications, you don't really have to worry about how to install a tonneau cover because the majority of today's covers are relatively easy to install. Some tonneaus are designed to attach to any truck bed using latches and clamps - no tools required. Others require temporary clamping or semi-permanent clamping.

• Retractable tonneau covers often require attaching the cover's rail to the bed rails and then to a canister, while a hinged tonneau connects directly to the interior rails.
• Soft tonneau covers are significantly easier to install compared to hard tonneau covers. Soft covers can be installed by a non-expert in less than an hour.
• Hard covers may require an extra pair of hands, so make sure to ask a friend (or two) to help you out.

Whatever the tonneau cover you're planning to install, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before starting. Most tonneau covers come with easy-to-understand instructions and tons of “how to install” videos available online.

Will a tonneau cover work with a bed liner?

Yes, most tonneau covers will work with a bed liner. The bed liner will either be under the bed rails or over them, depending on the design. When the bed liner is situated under the rail, it means it is designed to work with most tonneau covers out there. Only some models of retractable covers will require minor trimming of the liner, right at the bulkhead. When the bed liner is situated over the rail, it will cover the lip of the bed which most models of tonneau covers use as a solid fastening point. Your new tonneau cover will come with a complete installation guide as to how to install it and whether you need to modify the liner to make sure the clamps for the tonneau cover attach in the most secure way.

How do I clean a tonneau cover?

Cleaning your tonneau is a relatively simple task. Hard tonneau covers are easy to clean with water and a car washing solution, while soft covers are best cleaned with a special tonneau cover cleaner, which also provides UV protection and conditioning. Get a quality tonneau cleaner that does not contain toxic materials and, preferably, contains a pH balanced, biodegradable formula. The Extang Tonno Tonic is specially formulated to clean, shine, and protect soft vinyl covers. This potent cleaner is the best choice when you're not sure how to clean your tonneau cover and what solution to use. The Extang Tonno Tonic can be also used on plastic, fiberglass, rubber, tires, and leather.

Where do I buy a tonneau cover from?

A tonneau cover can be an expensive investment, so you should consider your best buying options before actually purchasing one. As we've said repeatedly, the first thing you should consider before deciding where to buy tonneau covers from is what you're looking. Budget pricing, style, security, or versatility? A hard or a soft cover? A cheap one (between $160 - $600) or an expensive one $600 to over $2500? Which brand?

The most important thing when looking for the best deals on tonneau covers is to find a trusted, authorized dealer. If you purchase from sites or stores which are not authorized dealers of your chosen brand, your tonneau's manufacturer warranty will be void. It's also a bonus to source your products from a dealer who will not charge you any unnecessary brokerage fees or shipping fees - costs that can really add up at the end of the transaction.

Our customers pay no brokerage fees or customs. And we always guarantee the best prices on tonneau covers. TDot Performance is an authorized dealer of the industry's leading truck performance and accessories manufacturers. See for yourself >>

Are tonneau covers worth it?

Truck bed covers are the most sought-after aftermarket truck accessories for a reason. Tonneau covers are worth it if you want to add an extra layer of protection for your cargo, upgrade your vehicle's gas mileage efficiency, and revamp your truck's overall presentation.

Can tonneau covers be removed?

Yes. Most tonneau covers can be removed easily. The fastest to detach from the bed are soft covers. Most soft and retractable tonneaus and are designed to roll up or snap off when not in use. For the removal of hard tonneaus, you will require some assistance from friends if you want to detach and lift it completely away from your truck. Most of them require opening the lid with the tailgate key and removing the pins located on the arms along the length of the truck bed. Make sure to check the installation instructions that came with your truck bed cover before doing so.

Can you lock tonneau covers?

It depends on the type of cover. Retractable and hard tonneau covers offer excellent locking features against theft. You can lock tonneau covers at the tailgate. Some soft tri-fold and roll-up covers also allow you to lock them at the tailgate, depending on the model.

Pop & Lock and BAKFlip G2 offer advanced tailgate-locking mechanisms for excellent security on any valuable cargo locked inside your truck bed. There are also self-locking tonneaus - opening independently of the tailgate. Instead of a tailgate lock, they feature an integrated lock cylinder and integrated BoltLock technology that allows you to lock the tonneau using your ignition key. Retrax and Undercover also offer extremely advanced self-locking features.

Can tonneau covers go through a carwash?

Yes! Tonneau covers are made strong and durable enough to go through a carwash without any problems. Most car washes pose no threat to a tonneau cover. Buy if you want to be absolutely sure that your tonneau cover will not be damaged when going through a car wash, check with the operator before going in.

Do tonneau covers leak?

No, tonneau covers are 100% waterproof, but some models do come very close to that percentage. The best waterproof tonneau cover will keep water and other liquids from entering the truck bed and flooding your cargo. They achieve this through an advanced sealing system (like the Extang Solid Fold 2.0 featuring triple fin seals on all sides of the tonneau, or the Extang Trifecta - another popular tonneau famous for its waterproof capability).

The material of a tonneau cover is by itself waterproof - whether it's vinyl or fiberglass. No rain, no snow, no spills will ever penetrate the top of a tonneau cover. However, the edges around the cover and their gaps may lead to some leakage into your truck bed. Even small gaps will let some liquid into the truck bed. But this is quite normal and you shouldn't be that worried about it. Many tonneau cover manufacturers offer bed covers with powerful sealing systems that cover as much of the gaps as possible.

• Roll up covers usually don't seal to the bed like retractable bed covers, which are probably your best choice if you're after the best in waterproof protection.
• Folding tonneaus are not as good at sealing as retractable covers either. Although they are more expensive than folding tonneaus, retractable tonneaus are the preferred choice for truck enthusiasts looking for the best waterproof tonneau cover on the market.
• Most high-end retractable covers utilize an integrated drainage tube that leads any water away from the bed. These tonneaus come with sealed sides, serving as the first line of defense against incoming liquids. If you're interested in top-rated retractable tonneau covers designed for unparalleled waterproofing, make sure to check out Retrax and Extang in our catalogue.

Hard covers with fiberglass lids also come close to that 100% waterproof rating as their design uses the hard lid to cover the gaps on the edges with a lip. This design helps any liquids to drain down and away from your truck bed while keeping everything inside safe and dry.

SO WHAT SHOULD I BUY?

The answer to what is the absolute best tonneau for your pickup depends on the year, make, and model. Everything else depends on your personal taste, your security needs, and how much you intend to spend on a quality tonneau cover.

If you're still not sure which tonneau cover is worth the money and whether it will fit your truck, do not hesitate to ask us! We will make sure to provide unbiased professional advice and help you choose the best tonneau cover for your needs and price range.

We carry a huge selection of tonneau covers, categorized by type, price, and manufacturer. If you're searching for a particular brand and model, chances are we already have it!